Volunteers' Efforts Make Day-care Center Shine

When kids walked into the Carver Ranches Daycare Center in Hollywood earlier this month, they saw new playgrounds, renovated rooms and bright pictures drawn on the walls.

A community effort of 350 volunteers from 43 Broward businesses joined to bring a new look to the day-care center. They planted trees, installed four pieces of playground equipment, and painted a huge outside mural and a classroom building.

The event on Sept. 9 also kicked off United Way 1994-1995 campaign in Broward.

"The enthusiasm today is an example of people willing to contribute," Broward United Way president Bob MacConnell said. "Every contribution is important. Every contribution will make a difference. You can't get any better than that."

Campaign chairman Jack Gomm said United Way plans to raise $8.06 million by Nov. 30, when the campaign officially closes. Last year's goal was to raise $7.56 million.

"We are thrilled with what's going on right now," Gomm said. "That's an indication we will meet this goal, then there will be a victory party."

Carver Ranches Daycare Center director Ruthie McDonald is grateful.

There isn't enough money in the center's $400,000 annual budget for the kind of improvements done by the volunteers, she said.

"It would cost from $70,000 to $100,000 to do that type of work," said carpenter Thomas Dorsett, president of Community Development at Carver Ranches. "We're really happy because we have been asking for that for years. We just don't take no for an answer."

Carver Ranches Daycare is now serving 136 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, all from low-income families. Its capacity is 250. Each child receives free food and baby formula donated by local companies.

"They chose us because we have a lot of children, a lot of needs and a little bit of money. I call that a gift of love," McDonald said. "We are very excited. My staff and I feel very pleased, and I know the parents will appreciate it."

The center also offers after-care to school children, ages 6 to 12, whose parents work during the day.

Several volunteers who participated in the renovation work said their time was well spent.

"I'm feeling a sense of accomplishment," volunteer Don Wagner said. "Everybody should donate time because it's worth it; just donating money is not enough."